“Last year 600 different people came through the winter shelter’s doors,” Spring said.

Spring said this year the groups are having trouble raising money for the program.

“There has only been enough money so far for about 30 nights,” Spring said. “Last year it was open 71 nights. Truth be told we don’t want anybody to die because of lack of warmth.”

Spring said the groups need a minimum of $75,000 to operate for 71 nights. That allows it to be open from mid-December thru the end of February. Spring said they would like to raise additional money to keep it operating thru early March.

The emergency winter shelter is located at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church near Race and Liberty.

City Council will have to approve an ordinance for the funding once administrators decide what source it will come from.